Channel Nine will reportedly pay tribute to former relationship expert Dr. Trisha Stratford in the upcoming 2024 season of Married at First Sight Australia.
Despite quitting the reality show in 2019, it is expected that the network will acknowledge her passing in the premiere on January 29.
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“It would really be making a statement if they don’t include her in the first episode. Fans of the show would be disappointed and not the mention John and Mel would feel cheated,” an insider source revealed to Yahoo Lifestyle in early January.
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“After all, they have all put so much of their lives into the success of MAFS. They will feel more valued when they see this kind of acknowledgment.”
News of the 72-year-old’s shock passing was first shared by her colleague and co-star John Aiken on his Instagram on September 17, 2023.
“I’m heartbroken and devastated that my friend and dear colleague Trisha has passed away. We shared an amazing seven seasons of MAFS together,” John penned at the time in an emotional tribute.
“She loved everything New Zealand, relationships, the All Blacks, the Black Caps, French wine, and traveling the world. I’ll miss you Tish. Thank you for all the memories,” he continued.
John and Trisha starred together on MAFS for seven seasons, alongside Mel Schilling.
MAFS expert Mel also revealed she was “very sad to hear the news of Dr Trisha Stratford’s passing.”
“Trisha was a MAFS pioneer, the first person to introduce neuroscience to the experiment, not to mention her illustrious career as a researcher and academic,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Trisha taught me so much about neuroscience, the science of attraction and the interplay between our brains and our behaviour. I know she spent the final years of her life with her Great Love and I’m so pleased to know she was surrounded by love & support. Vale Dr Trisha.”
Ryan Gallagher who appeared on the fifth season of MAFS posted on his Instagram: “Very sad news to hear Trish has passed away, she was bloody lovely to me, she will be missed, RIP.”
Sarah Roza, who was also in season five, commented, “Ohhh my gosh, this is such awful and unexpected news! Rest in peace Trisha. You were ALWAYS just so lovely to me.”
Elizabeth Sobinoff, who recently welcomed a baby boy with her partner who wasn’t on seasons six and seven with her, commented: “She was so genuine and so kind to me. She was so bright and a safe space.”
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The former Married At First Sight expert and clinical neuropsychotherapist was a fan-favourite on screens, having debuted on the hit reality television series in 2015.
After seven seasons of MAFS, Trisha left the show ahead of the 2020 season.
“I have decided to step back from the television series to focus on my writing, research, and neuropsychotherapy,” she said at the time.
Her legacy was continued by sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, who began starring on the show in 2021.
The Nine Network revealed in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr Trisha Stratford.
“Our sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathies go out to her family and those closest during this difficult time.”
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